Investors too often ask startup entrepreneurs what revenue will be in five years. Investors need to let the entrepreneurs know what they would like for revenue to be so entrepreneurs can plug that into their spreadsheets.

Compared with a few years back -- when credit markets froze, venture capitalists went on hiatus, and people's stock portfolios took a hit -- there are more funding options than ever for growing startups.

If the founders of a company are diluted too heavily upfront, one day they will wake up and see the investors get rich off of their hard work, IP, and ingenuity. Once that happens, the spirit will be sucked out of them and their company will falter. And then what?

In terms of innovation, today's leading companies have devised mechanisms by which to tap into the fire hose of entrepreneurs flooding the market. They are listening, sharing and learning; the best are collaborative in their efforts.

Sometimes even deals that look like they're going to go through don't so never relax until you have the check in hand. It's always good to keep in mind that deals fall through, people back out last minute, and that it's a long and laborious practice. Don't let it discourage you though, and just keep working. When you work hard, things have a way of falling into place.

Perhaps the best part about KITE, from a consumer perspective, is that it's super easy to use. You simply place a colorful sticker on your clothes, and the device blinds mosquitos to your very existence for the next 48 hours.

I listened for a while as they went back and forth about whether he should be chairman. Then I asked, "Why should he even be on your board at all?" I got looks of confusion and then they said, "We thought all investors get a board seat."

"I firmly believe bio tech start-ups have to network globally -- both in a business and a scientific sense. Also, they need to work with externals -- business leaders, mentors, coaches, consultants -- to ramp up their sales, management and marketing skills."